Bill Ross
Age: 64
Address: 2523 7th St.
Family: Married to Marilyn. Two sons, Nathan and Corey/Erin, and granddaughter, Zoe.
Occupation: Saputo Cheese USA, Plant Manager
Community involvement: Mayor for 12 years: Past President of the Chamber of Commerce; Instructor, Blackhawk Tech
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Master's Degree in Business Administration
Personal description: Born in St. James, Minn., raised in Washington D.C area; U.S. Air Force veteran. Hobbies include golf.
Why are you seeking this position? What makes you the best candidate?
Over the next two years, Monroe will be facing some very challenging issues that affect city taxpayers. The top three issues include hiring a city administrator, finishing the 8th and 9th streets reconstruction and planning a city budget that holds taxes in check. I feel that I am the best candidate to help lead the city through these difficult issues working closely with the alderpersons, department heads and staff. I know the interworkings of city government and I have the acumen and experience to get the job done.
What role does the mayor play in Monroe's city government and what would you do to best fill that role?
The role of the mayor in city government includes:
• Listening to the public, the city employees, and the alderpersons
• Helping to solve problems and collaborating with department heads and council committees by providing advice and counsel in the decision-making process
• Communicating between the public and city government
• Serving as ambassador for the City of Monroe
I am a good listener and my leadership style is one of inclusiveness. I encourage consideration of different points of view in order to reach solutions to problems.
What one issue is the City of Monroe now facing, and which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the Common Council handle it?
Although the city faces several key issues, I feel the hiring of a city administrator to be a top priority. The benefits of having a city administrator include preparation and oversight of the city budget and supervision of city departments and employees. The city administrator serves as chief advisor to the mayor and council in their decision making. As mayor, I would make filling this position a priority and encourage the Common Council to conclude the search process as soon as possible.
What vision on Monroe's future do you hold, and what steps does the city need to take to reach that vision?
My vision for Monroe's future is to enhance the "quality of life" we all enjoy here and ensure a bright future for ourselves, our children and future generations by creating sustainable economic growth and job opportunities.
The steps the city needs to take to reach this vision in these tough economic times include:
• Working hard to maintain a balanced budget
• Holding taxes in check
• Encouraging collaboration between the Green County Development Corporation, the chamber of commerce and the city to develop our economy through start-up business entrepreneurship, expanding current small businesses, and continue trying to bring a major employer into our industrial park.
Age: 64
Address: 2523 7th St.
Family: Married to Marilyn. Two sons, Nathan and Corey/Erin, and granddaughter, Zoe.
Occupation: Saputo Cheese USA, Plant Manager
Community involvement: Mayor for 12 years: Past President of the Chamber of Commerce; Instructor, Blackhawk Tech
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Master's Degree in Business Administration
Personal description: Born in St. James, Minn., raised in Washington D.C area; U.S. Air Force veteran. Hobbies include golf.
Why are you seeking this position? What makes you the best candidate?
Over the next two years, Monroe will be facing some very challenging issues that affect city taxpayers. The top three issues include hiring a city administrator, finishing the 8th and 9th streets reconstruction and planning a city budget that holds taxes in check. I feel that I am the best candidate to help lead the city through these difficult issues working closely with the alderpersons, department heads and staff. I know the interworkings of city government and I have the acumen and experience to get the job done.
What role does the mayor play in Monroe's city government and what would you do to best fill that role?
The role of the mayor in city government includes:
• Listening to the public, the city employees, and the alderpersons
• Helping to solve problems and collaborating with department heads and council committees by providing advice and counsel in the decision-making process
• Communicating between the public and city government
• Serving as ambassador for the City of Monroe
I am a good listener and my leadership style is one of inclusiveness. I encourage consideration of different points of view in order to reach solutions to problems.
What one issue is the City of Monroe now facing, and which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the Common Council handle it?
Although the city faces several key issues, I feel the hiring of a city administrator to be a top priority. The benefits of having a city administrator include preparation and oversight of the city budget and supervision of city departments and employees. The city administrator serves as chief advisor to the mayor and council in their decision making. As mayor, I would make filling this position a priority and encourage the Common Council to conclude the search process as soon as possible.
What vision on Monroe's future do you hold, and what steps does the city need to take to reach that vision?
My vision for Monroe's future is to enhance the "quality of life" we all enjoy here and ensure a bright future for ourselves, our children and future generations by creating sustainable economic growth and job opportunities.
The steps the city needs to take to reach this vision in these tough economic times include:
• Working hard to maintain a balanced budget
• Holding taxes in check
• Encouraging collaboration between the Green County Development Corporation, the chamber of commerce and the city to develop our economy through start-up business entrepreneurship, expanding current small businesses, and continue trying to bring a major employer into our industrial park.